1984: Basketball star Michael Jordan signs with Nike
To celebrate the Ad Club of New York's 120th anniversary, The Drum is inviting readers to share their favorite marketing moments from the past 120 years.
Today’s marketing moment was chosen by Fred Schonenberg, founder of VentureFuel. Below, find out why Michael Jordan’s endorsement deal with Nike is his favorite marketing moment.
When "His Airness" burst onto the scene in 1984, no one knew he would become the greatest basketball player of all time or transform the world of celebrity endorsements forever.
His work with Nike turned him into a global icon and the Jordan Jumpman logo became the heart of urban cool.
The power of Jordan is still growing 14 years after his last game, as Forbes estimated he will make $30 million dollars more than any other athlete, active or retired, in 2016 and he was rated the most marketable US celebrity by Repucom. Even Spike Lee’s Mars Blackmon knows it’s gotta be more than the shoes.
See the full 120 Marketing Moments in the dedicated online section and find out how to purchase the exclusive book.